Field game

ABSTRACT

A method of playing a field game is disclosed wherein a rectangular field is defined having first and second ends. Goal structures are located on each of the first and second ends, with the goal structure having a lower scoring area and an upper scoring area. A net-goal is scored when the ball passes through the lower scoring area. A field-goal is scored when the ball passes through the upper scoring area. A non-scoring area may be disposed between the lower scoring area and the upper scoring area. A scoring system may be provided wherein the net-goal scores a higher number of points, e.g., seven points, then a field-goal, e.g., three points. The scoring system also accommodates scoring a greater number of points where net-goals or field-goals are kicked a greater distance from the ends.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] (Not Applicable)

STATEMENT RE:FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

[0002] (Not Applicable)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to field games, and moreparticularly, to field games in which players attempt to kick objectsinto a goal, or above a goal to score points.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Team sports games are a popular means of exercise andentertainment for many people. Soccer and American-style football aretwo such games. Soccer is generally regarded as the most popular sportin the world, and makes rigorous demands on the skill and conditioningof the participants. However, soccer has been criticized as notproviding sufficient scoring opportunities to suit the appetites of somesports enthusiasts. In order to enhance the interest of those fans, itis desirable to provide a game that not only tests conditioning andskill, but also provides for a rapid and different types of scoringopportunities, as well as different types of plays, e.g., at theinitiation of play.

[0005] The present invention is therefore directed to a new type offield game that draws from certain basics of established sports, such assoccer and American football, combined in a unique format to enhancescoring and fan enjoyment beyond the base of fan support for thosesports.

[0006] The present invention lends itself to indoor or outdoor play andis scalable as a factor of the available playing area and number ofplayers.

[0007] The invention is designed to keep the participants skill,coordination, agility, speed and body control. The game thereforecontributes to the total fitness of individual participants. Moreover,the physical stature is not a determinative participation, as it may bein sports such as American football. Consequently, the game lends itselfto players of different size and stature.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A method of playing a field game is disclosed wherein arectangular field is defined having first and second ends. Goalstructures are located on each of the first and second ends, with thegoal structure having a lower scoring area and an upper scoring area. Anet-goal is scored when the ball passes through the lower scoring area.A field-goal is scored when the ball passes through the upper scoringarea. A non-scoring area may be disposed between the lower scoring areaand the upper scoring area. A scoring system may be provided wherein thenet-goal scores a higher number of points, e.g., seven points, then afield-goal, e.g., three points.

[0009] In the presently preferred embodiment, a net-goal or a field-goalmay be scored from anywhere on the field. However, a field-goal is notvalid if any player touches the ball within twenty yards of the opposingends.

[0010] The goal structure as presently anticipated may be formed ashaving a lower scoring area defining a soccer-type goal, and an upperscoring area similar to a football goal-post. The non-scoring area maybe disposed above the soccer-type goal, and may be implemented as asolid panel adapted to reflect any balls into the non-scoring area.

[0011] The game may be started by kicking the ball into play from withinthe playing area. A kick-in may also occur when the ball travelsout-of-bounds over a side-line. Kick-ins may occur where a ball travelspast an end line or a side-line. Goal kicks may occur where a balltravels past an end line without scoring a net-goal or a field-goal.

[0012] Scoring may further occur, immediately after a net-goal, bykicking the ball through the upper scoring area. Such scoring, referredto as an extra point, may be limited to a single extra point.

[0013] Extra points and field-goals may be disallowed where the ball istouched by any player within a goal tending area proximate the goalstructure, e.g., twenty yards from the ends line. The same twenty yardarea may be utilized to define a penalty area, giving rise to penaltykicks, and define a location from which a penalty kick and extra pointsmay be kicked.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] These, as well as other features of the present invention, willbecome more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

[0015]FIG. 1 shows the playing field layout utilizing the goal of FIG.2;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a front view of the goal used in the field game of thepresent invention; and

[0017]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a conventional soccer goal-postjoinable to a conventional football field goal-post to implement apresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] As noted above, the present invention is directed to a field gamehaving certain commonalities with traditional sports such as soccer andAmerican football. As such, the game is likely to have some familiarityto participants of those sports, though the distinctions representsubstantial departures from traditional rules of those games.

[0019] Set forth below are details respecting the physical arrangementand rules of play of a field game in accordance with the presentinvention. The field arrangement and rules may be scaled or modified inaccordance with a particular playing area or other limitations withoutdeparting from the features respecting matters such as the areas of playand the techniques for scoring. Accordingly, it is understood that thedetailed rules set forth below are exemplary in nature and not intendedto limit the broader aspects of the present invention.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment the game is played on a field 11,shown at FIG. 1, eighty (80) yards long by a forty (40) or fifty (50)yards wide. Two teams, which may be eight players per team, compete tooutscore each other during a period of regulation playing time, whichmay be eighty (80) minutes. Overtime and sudden-death playing time isprovided where the game ends in tie point score after regulationplaying.

[0021] The structure outlining the goal scoring area is called agoal-post 13, shown in more detail at FIG. 2. Teams defend a goal-postand attack the opposing teams goal-post through competitive pursuit of aball, which may be a leather ball approximately the size of a soccerball. Placing the ball through the opponent's goal-post scores points.The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. A referee ispositioned on or near the sides of the field to ensure that game rulesare followed and, when necessary, to award penalties for game ruleinfractions.

[0022] Goal-posts are positioned at the center of the opposing, shorterends 15, 17 of the field 11. The boundary lines that contain thegoal-posts are called goalpost lines 19. The longer boundary lines ofthe field are called side-lines. The field of play is the area insidethe side-lines 21 and goal-post lines 19. In addition, markingsdesignating the side-lines and goal-post lines, e.g. flags may beprovided at the corners of the field, and both goal-posts are part ofthe playing field. A one yard area around the perimeter of the field maybe reserved for use by referees and players engaged in the game.

[0023] The playing field may be marked by increments, e.g. one yardincrements between goal-post lines. Periodically, a line is drawn acrossthe entire field, e.g. every ten yards. In the presently preferredembodiment, the goal-post line is marked with a “10”. The next ten yardincrement towards the center of the field from each goal-post line ismarked with a “20”. The next ten yard increment towards the center ofthe field from each goalpost line is marked with a “30”. The next tenyard increment towards the center of the field from each goalpost lineis a “40”. The next ten yard increment towards the center of the fieldfrom each goal-post line is the center of the field, and marked with a“50”.

[0024] In the presently preferred embodiment, the thirty (30) yard lineis called a field-goal line 23. The twenty (20) yard area between eachthirty (30) yard line and the nearest goal-post line is called thepenalty area, or goaltending area 25.

[0025] The half of the field with the goal-post that a team isdefending, i.e. attempting to keep its opponent from placing the ballthrough that side's goal-post, is called that teams defensive side ofthe field or “its side of the field”. For example, the twenty (20) yardline on a team's defensive side of the field is referred to as thatteam's twenty (20) yard line or “its twenty yard line”. The half of thefield with the goal-post that a team is attempting to place a ballthrough to score is called that team's offensive side of the field.Therefore, one team's offensive side of the field is the other team'sdefensive side of the field.

[0026] Opposing side-lines will be used by each team for coaching,reserve players, substitutions and team huddles. One team is typicallydesignated as the home team. The other team is designated as the awayteam. The home team may choose the side-line that it desires. The awayteam uses the other side-line. The home team may also choose thegoal-post it will defend to begin the game. The other team defends theopposite goal-post. Alternatively, a coin toss can be used to determineinitial team positioning. Teams switch direction at the onset of eachsubsequent game segment, i.e. each quarter, overtime and sudden death,and defend the goal-post they were attacking in the previous segment.

[0027] A rectangular area 27, approximately forty (40) yards long andfive (5) yards wide, located between opposing thirty (30) yard lines maybe reserved for team use. Substitute players, coaches and other teampersonnel typically remain in this reserved area while the ball is inplay. That rectangular area, the team area, may be spaced from theplaying field by one (1) yard.

[0028] As presently contemplated each team is permitted eight (8)players on the field during regulation play, seven (7) during overtimeplay and six (6) during sudden death play. The total roster of any teamcannot exceed a predetermined amount, such as twenty-five (25) players.A team unable to field a minimum number of players at the onset of agame, e.g. five (5) players, forfeits the game.

[0029] As presently contemplated players are permitted to be any placeon the field while the game is in progress and are permitted to makecontact with the ball with any part of their bodies except with theirhands and arms. One player on each team, called a goalkeeper, ispermitted to touch the ball with any part of his/her body, includinghis/her arms and hands, within twenty (20) yards of his/her goal-postline, i.e. in the goal tending area. A goalkeeper more than twenty (20)yards from his/her goalpost line is subject to the same rules as allother players. All players on the team must wear identical colored orpatterned jerseys and shorts. The goalkeeper wears a jersey thatcontrasts to his/her team's jersey. Goalkeepers are permitted to weargloves and full length athletic apparel. Away teams are required to wearjerseys that contrast to the home team. All cleats must be plastic. Toecleats are not permitted. All players must wear shin guards. A roundleather surface ball that is widely used in kick-oriented games may beused. A referee is permitted to inspect all players' apparel andequipment before, during and after a game and may disqualify the use ofany item at his/her discretion.

[0030] As presently contemplated there are two types of scores, anet-goal and a field-goal. A net-goal can be scored at any time during agame from any place on the field. A field-goal can be scored at any timeduring a game from any place on the field that is twenty (20) yards orfurther from a team's offensive goal-post line. A field-goal is notvalid if any player touches the ball within twenty (20) yards of thegoal-post line.

[0031] A goal-post 13, as presently contemplated and shown at FIG. 2,has three (3) areas. Area 31 is twenty-four (24) feet wide and eight (8)feet high. Area 33 is twenty-four (24) feet wide and two (2) feet high,and directly above Area 31. Area 33 may be a solid, non-scoring flatpanel, which a ball cannot pass through. Area 35 is centered directlyabove Area 33. Area 35 is eighteen to twenty-four (18-24) feet wide, andlimitless in height. Five foot or taller uprights are mounted directlyon top of Area 33 to mark the vertical limitless boundaries of Area 35.

[0032] A ball that travels on the ground or in the air completely overthe goal-post line at the base of Area A results in a net-goal for theteam not defending that goalpost. A net-goal is worth some number ofpoints, e.g. seven (7) points. A ball moving completely through Area 31that conforms to distance requirements is a field-goal for a team notdefending that goal-post. If a ball exceeds the height of the verticaluprights of Area 35, the whole ball must appear to pass completelyinside of an imaginary boundary extending above the vertical uprights ofArea 35 to be considered a valid field-goal. A field-goal is worth someother number of points, e.g. three (3) points.

[0033] A head referee can position himself/herself on or near the fieldto ensure that game rules are followed. A referee can penalize playersand teams at his/her sole discretion. A referee makes all game and fielddecisions and is the final authority for interpretation and applicationof game rules. More than one referee can officiate a game if one refereeis designated as the head referee. A head referee is the final authorityif officiating conflicts arise.

[0034] Regulation playing time is broken into two halves of forty (40)minutes, separated by a ten (10) minute halftime period. Each half isbroken into two twenty (20) minute quarters, separated by a five (5)minute stoppage of play. Thus, regulation play consists of four, twenty(20) minute quarters.

[0035] If each team has the same point score at the end of the fourthquarter, regulation play is followed by a ten (10) minute overtimeperiod. The overtime period of play begins five minutes after the end ofregulation play. The number of players on the field from each team isreduced at the onset of the overtime period.

[0036] If each team has the same point score at the end of the overtimeperiod, overtime play is followed by sudden-death playing time.Sudden-death play begins five minutes after the end of the overtimeperiod and ends with a score by either team. The number of players onthe field from each team is reduced at the onset of sudden-death playingtime.

[0037] A game clock can be installed for spectator viewing enhancement;however, official time is kept on the field with the referee. Areferee's official time may take into account time during which the gamecould not be played, for example:

[0038] 1) to remove an injured player from the field,

[0039] 2) for a time-out called during regulation play,

[0040] 3) an interruption that is preventing the resumption of play, and

[0041] 4) excessive use of game time by either team during a stoppage ofplay.

[0042] A referee keeps track of the time remaining in each quarter and,if required, in the overtime period. Expiration of time on a referee'sclock designates the end of a quarter or overtime period. A clock doesnot control the end of sudden-death playing time. Any score endssudden-death play.

[0043] A segment of play cannot end with an un-enforced penalty. If areferee calls an infraction before the end of a quarter or overtimeperiod, playing time is extended to accommodate the execution of thepenalty assessed for the infraction.

[0044] A quarter or overtime period that is extended for the abovereason ends immediately when two players from the non-penalized teammake contact with the ball. Play is again extended if the penalized teamcommits another infraction before two players from the non-penalizedteam make contact with the ball.

[0045] A time-out permits a team to stop play for one minute withoutsacrificing regulation game time. Each team is permitted two time-outsper game, which can be requested by any player on the field to areferee. Time-outs are granted after a goal is scored or the ball isruled out-of-bounds. After a time-out, play resumes with the kick thatwould have been performed prior to the time-out.

[0046] No time-outs are permitted during overtime or sudden-deathplaying time.

[0047] Play stops for one of the following events:

[0048] 1) a goal,

[0049] 2) expiration of playing time for a quarter or overtime period,

[0050] 3) a goal during sudden-death playing time,

[0051] 4) a referee's signal that the ball is out-of-bounds,

[0052] 5) a referee's signal that a player or team committed a foul, or

[0053] 6) a referee's signal to stop play.

[0054] A ball that travels on the ground or in the air completely over aboundary line is considered out-of-bounds. Conversely, a ball that iswithin all boundary lines (on the ground or in the air) or partiallyover a boundary line (on the ground or in the air) is consideredin-bounds.

[0055] Play is stopped when a ball travels out-of-bounds. The ball andappropriate kick are awarded to the team that did not last touch theball before it traveled out-of-bounds.

[0056] A player can touch the ball while making contact with the groundoutside of the field. A player in the air and outside of the playingfield can make contact with the ball. The position of the balldetermines if the ball is out-of-bounds, not the position of a player.

[0057] Goal-posts are part of the field of play. A ball that makescontact with a goal-post is available to all players as long as itremains in the field of play after it makes contact with a goal-post.

[0058] Rules governing scoring supercede out-of-bounds rules.

[0059] A kick-off begins a game, quarter, overtime period, andsudden-death playing time. The home team performs a kick-off to startthe first and third quarters, and overtime period, if required. The awayteam performs a kick-off to start the second and fourth quarters, andsudden death, if required. Alternatively, a coin toss can be used todetermine the initial kick-off team. A kickoff also resumes a game aftera team has scored. The scoring team performs a kick-off to resume play.

[0060] The team performing a kick-off positions its players on itsdefensive side of the field between its goal-post line and its thirty(30) yard line. The opposing team positions itself on its defensive sideof the field. No player from either team can be in the area between thethirty (30) yard line from which the kick-off is performed and the fifty(50) yard line. A kick-off is re-kicked if any player is in the abovereferenced area. Once a kickoff is performed, all players can move toany part of the field.

[0061] To perform a kick-off, the kicking team places the ball at anypoint along its thirty (30) yard line and kicks the ball in any forwarddirection. There is no minimum distance that the ball must travel forthe kickoff to be valid.

[0062] If the team performing a kick-off kicks the ball through itsopponent's goal-post, it is awarded the appropriate goal and pointscore. If the team performing a kick-off kicks the ball out-of-bounds,the ball and appropriate kick are awarded to the opposing team.

[0063] If the ball travels out-of-bounds over a sideline, play isstopped and the ball is awarded to the team that did not last touch theball. The team to which the ball is awarded is permitted a kick-in atthe point over which the ball is ruled out-of-bounds.

[0064] The opposing team stands at least ten (10) yards away from theball. Once a kick-in is performed, all players can move to any part ofthe field.

[0065] To perform a kick-in, the ball is placed at the out-of-boundspoint and kicked onto the field. The ball can be kicked in anydirection. There is no minimum distance that the ball must travel forthe kick-in to be valid.

[0066] If the team performing a kick-in kicks the ball through it'sopponents goal-post, it is awarded the appropriate goal and point score.A field-goal, however, is only valid if the kick-in is performed from atleast twenty (20) yards away from the goal-post line.

[0067] If the team performing a kick-in kicks the ball out-of-bounds,the ball and appropriate kick are awarded to the opposing team.

[0068] If the ball travels out-of-bounds over a goalpost line (withoutscoring a net-goal or valid field-goal) and is last touched by anoffensive player, play is stopped and the ball is awarded to thedefensive team. The team to which the ball is awarded is permitted agoal-kick.

[0069] Players from the team performing the goal-kick can be on any partof the field. The opposing team stands between its goal-post line andits offensive thirty (30) yard line. Once a goal-kick is performed, allplayers can move to any part of the field.

[0070] To perform a goal-kick, the ball is placed at any point on the20-yard line and kicked in any forward direction. There is no minimumdistance that the ball must travel for the goal-kick to be valid.

[0071] If the team performing a goal-kick kicks the ball through itsopponent's goal-post, it is awarded the appropriate goal and pointscore. If the team performing a goal-kick kicks the ball out-of-bounds,the ball and appropriate kick are awarded to the opposing team.

[0072] After a stoppage of play unforseen by the rules, play is resumedthrough a goal-kick. The team defending the goal-post nearest to theball at the time play is stopped performs the goal-kick.

[0073] If the ball travels out-of-bounds over a goalpost line (withoutscoring a net-goal or valid field-goal) and is last touched by adefensive player, play is stopped and the ball is awarded to theoffensive team. The team to which the ball is awarded is permitted acorner-kick.

[0074] The opposing team stands at least ten (10) yards away from thespot the ball is kicked. Once a corner-kick is performed, all playerscan move to any part of the field.

[0075] To perform a corner-kick, the ball is placed at the corner of thefield nearest to the out-of-bounds point and kicked in any direction.There is no minimum distance that the ball must travel for thecorner-kick to be valid.

[0076] If the team performing a corner-kick kicks the ball through itsopponent's goal-post, it is awarded the appropriate goal and pointscore. Only net-goals can be scored from corner-kicks.

[0077] If the team performing a corner-kick kicks the ballout-of-bounds, the ball and appropriate kick are awarded to the opposingteam.

[0078] There are three types of infractions for which players, coaches,or other team personnel on or near the field can be penalized:

[0079] 1) unnecessary physical contact,

[0080] 2) undesirable verbal or physical conduct, and

[0081] 3) touching the ball with hands or arms.

[0082] All penalties are called at the complete discretion of anyreferee. The guideline for unnecessary physical contact is safety forother athletes. The guideline for undesirable verbal or physical conductis respect for others and the game. The guideline for touching the ballwith hands or arms is intent.

[0083] Individual conduct results in infractions. Therefore, infractionscan be called on players not engaged with the ball and on individualsnot on the field. All infractions on or off the field called by areferee result in a stoppage of play. The penalty for an infraction isloss of possession of the ball and the award of a direct-kick or apenalty-kick at the point of the infraction to the team not committingthe infraction.

[0084] Infractions occurring off the field and attributable to a teamresult in a direct-kick for the team not committing the infraction atthe point on a side-line nearest to the point of the infraction.

[0085] Ejections are at the complete discretion of any referee. Playerscommitting infractions can be ejected for the remainder of the segment(quarter, overtime period, or sudden-death) of the game in progress orfor the remainder of the game. Players ejected for the remainder of asegment can return at the onset of the next quarter, overtime period, orsudden-death playing time. Players ejected for the remainder of the gamecannot return for any remaining portion of the game. Teams cansubstitute for ejected players.

[0086] In addition to ejections for on-field infractions, a referee caneject any individual (including a fan) from the playing area orcompletely out of the game venue for:

[0087] 1) unnecessary physical contact; or

[0088] 2) undesirable verbal or physical conduct.

[0089] Ejected players may be required to wear color-coded penaltywristbands designating their ineligibility for the remainder of asegment or their ineligibility for the remainder of the game. A playerwho is eligible to reenter a game must return his/her penalty wristbandto the head referee before the onset of the next segment for whichhe/she is eligible. At the conclusion of the game, all players mustreturn to the head referee any penalty wristbands in their possession.

[0090] If an infraction occurs between the thirty (30) yard lines of thefield, a direct-kick is awarded to the team not committing theinfraction at the point of the infraction. If an infraction occurswithin the penalty area by a team on offense, a direct-kick is awardedto the opposing team at the point of an infraction.

[0091] The penalized team stands at least ten (10) yards away from theball. Once a direct-kick is performed, all players can move to any partof the field. There is no minimum distance that the ball must travel forthe direct kick to be valid.

[0092] To perform a direct-kick, the ball is placed at the point of theinfraction and kicked in any direction including directly into the goalscoring area.

[0093] If the team performing a direct-kick kicks the ball through itsopponent's goal-post, it is awarded the appropriate goal and pointscore. A field-goal, however, is only valid if the direct-kick isperformed from at least twenty (20) yards away from the goal-post line.

[0094] If the team performing a direct-kick kicks the ballout-of-bounds, the ball and appropriate kick are awarded to the opposingteam.

[0095] If an infraction occurs within the penalty area by a team ondefense, a penalty-kick is awarded to the opposing team.

[0096] All players, except the goalkeeper and the player attempting thepenalty-kick, stand at least twenty yards from the goal-post line of theteam defending the penalty-kick. The penalized team's goalkeeper standson his/her goal-post line approximately at the center of the goalpost.The player attempting the penalty-kick stands between his/her offensive20-and 30-yard lines. Once the penalty-kick is performed, all playerscan move to any part of the field.

[0097] To perform a penalty-kick, a referee places the ball on the20-yard line approximately at the center of the field. Upon a referee'ssignal to begin, one player from the non-penalized team kicks the ballat the goal-post and attempts to score a net-goal. The player attemptingthe penalty kick cannot dribble the ball. The goalkeeper can move toblock the penalty-kick once the ball is kicked.

[0098] No player can touch the ball after an unsuccessful penalty-kickuntil the ball makes contact with the goalkeeper defending thepenalty-kick or with the goalpost.

[0099] A successful net-goal resulting from a penalty-kick is worthseven (7) points. It is not possible to score a field-goal from apenalty-kick.

[0100] If the player performing a penalty-kick dribbles the ball orkicks the ball out-of-bounds, a goal kick is awarded to the opposingteam. If the goalkeeper defending the penalty-kick last touches the ballbefore it travels out-of-bounds, the ball and appropriate kick areawarded to the opposing team.

[0101] Substitutions occur at each team's side-line. A new player canreplace an exiting player as soon as the exiting player steps off thefield between the thirty (30) yard lines of his/her team's side-line.

[0102] No substitutions are permitted during the overtime period andsudden-death playing time, except to replace an injured player. If ateam is permitted an injury substitution during the overtime period orsudden-death playing time, the opposing team is permitted to make asubstitution.

[0103] Wristbands may be used to insure that only the permitted numberof players is on the field during each segment of play. If wristbandsare used, only players with wristbands are permitted on the field. Thus,exiting players must provide their wristband to entering players.

[0104] An injured player who cannot exit the field between the thirty(3) yard lines of his/her side-line is assisted off the field at thenext stoppage of play. Players requiring assistance to leave the fieldare ineligible to return to the field for the remainder of the game.

[0105] To add a scoring method, an extra point is incorporated into thegame. After a net-goal is scored, play is stopped. The scoring team isgiven an opportunity to score one additional point before executing akick-off.

[0106] To execute an extra point, the ball is placed at any point on thescoring team's offensive thirty (30) yard line. A player from thescoring team is permitted to kick the ball at his/her opponent'sgoal-post. All remaining players must stand at least ten (10) yardsbehind the player kicking the ball.

[0107] Kicking the ball completely through Area 35 of the goal-postresults in one (1) point. If a ball exceeds the height of the verticaluprights of Area 35, the whole ball must appear to pass completelyinside of an imaginary boundary extending above the vertical uprights ofArea 35 to be considered a valid extra point. After an extra point isexecuted, play resumes with a kick-off by the team that scored thenet-goal.

[0108] To place a higher emphasis on a particular method of scoring,different point values are assigned to a net-goal, field-goal and extrapoint. The point value for a net-goal and/or a field-goal is set betweenone and ten (1-10), inclusive. The point value of an extra point is setbetween one and three (1-3), inclusive.

[0109] As an alternative to sudden-death play, a one-on-one tie breakprocedure is used to break tie scores. One-on-ones begin five minutesafter the end of the overtime period. Sudden-death play is eliminated.Overtime play can also be eliminated. If overtime play is eliminated,one-on-ones begin five minutes after the end of regulation play. Thehome team selects the goal-post to be used for the one-on-ones and thedefends the first one-on-one.

[0110] To execute a one-on-one, the ball is placed at the center of thefifty (50) yard line. One team position its shooter behind the ball. Theopposing team positions its goalkeeper on the goal-post line in thecenter of the selected goal-post. All other players must be off thefield in the area reserved for teams at the side-lines.

[0111] Upon a signal from the referee, both players can move about thefield. The shooter has fifteen seconds to attempt to score a net-goal ora field-goal. The goalkeeper attempts to stop the shooter. A one-on-oneconcludes when:

[0112] 1) the ball travels out-of-bounds,

[0113] 2) the ball is in the grasp of the goalkeeper,

[0114] 3) a goal is scored,

[0115] 4) fifteen seconds elapse from the moment the ball was put intoplay, or

[0116] 5) the shooter commits an infraction.

[0117] Teams alternate between shooting and defending a one-on-one. Ifthe game is tied after each team is given five opportunities to score,the above process is repeated. This five-attempt per team patterncontinues until a winner is declared.

[0118] Each team is permitted one minute after the completion of aone-on-one to present its shooter or goalkeeper for the next one-on-one.A goalkeeper or shooter cannot enter the field once the signal to begina one-on-one is given by a referee. Thus, a one-on-one can take placewithout a shooter or goalkeeper, or without both.

[0119] If the shooter commits an infraction during a one-on-one, theone-on-one concludes and is declared unsuccessful. If the goalkeepercommits an infraction during a one-on-one and the one-on-one isunsuccessful, the shooting team is permitted to repeat the one-on-onewith the same shooter. A substitute shooter is permitted if thegoalkeeper's infraction injures the original shooter.

[0120] A player can repeat as the shooter on every fifth shootingone-on-one by his/her team. Substitutions for the goalkeeper arepermitted but not required between one-on-ones. A one-on-one is notstopped for an injury. The injured player is assisted off the field atthe conclusion of the one-on-one.

[0121] All other rules are unchanged. Therefore, the goalkeeper ispermitted to touch the ball with any part of his/her body, includinghis/her arms and hands, within twenty yards of the goal-post line, and afield-goal can be scored from any place on the field that is twentyyards or further from the goal-post line. A field-goal is not valid ifthe goalkeeper touches the ball within twenty yards of the goal-postline.

[0122] A further enhancement to scoring can be made by awarding a higherpoint value for a long-distance net-goal. For example, a successfulnet-goal that is attempted from 20 yards or further from the goal-postline can be counted as one to three times the value of a successfulnet-goal attempted from closer than 20 yards of the goalpost line.

[0123] The same change can be made to field-goal scoring by awarding ahigher point value for a long-distance field-goal. For example, asuccessful field-goal that is attempted from 40 yards or further fromthe goal-post line can be counted as one to three times the value of asuccessful field-goal attempted from closer than 40 yards of thegoal-post line.

[0124]FIG. 3 illustrates how a goal in accordance with the presentinvention may be constructed utilizing a conventional soccer goal-post41 and a conventional football field-goal-post 43. In order to practicethe present invention, the soccer goal-post may be joined to thefootball field-goal-post to form a combined football/soccer goal-post.The lower scoring area is defined by the soccer goal-post and the upperscoring area is defined by the football field-goal-post uprights. Anon-scoring panel 45 may be disposed intermediate the lower surface ofthe football field goal-post and the upper surface of the soccergoal-post. Alternatively, the non-scoring area may be formed of anydesired width and extendable above the lower surface of the footballfield-goal-post.

[0125] Conventionally, a soccer goal-post is eight feet high,twenty-four feet wide, and ten feet deep. By comparison, a footballfield-goal-post has a lower surface which is ten feet high, and a widthof twenty-three feet 4 inches, i.e., slightly narrower than the width ofthe soccer goal-post. Moreover, football field-goal-post may be formedof a single base support, as used in professional leagues, or a pair ofbase supports, as more conventionally utilized in junior or scholasticleagues.

[0126] It is anticipated that in some implementations the invention maybe practiced utilizing a football field having existing football fieldgoal-posts, to which soccer goal-posts are engaged. Such engagement maybe effected adjacent the front face of the soccer goal-post, or behindthe front face of the soccer goal-post. The location of such attachmentwill, of course, effect the length of the field between soccergoal-posts.

[0127] It is further anticipated that the invention may be implementedutilizing existing Rugby goal-posts, which are conventionally thirtyfeet high and eighteen feet six inches wide, with a nine foot nine inchcrossbar height. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill,different means of attachment will be suitable for engaging a soccerfield-goal to different types of goal-posts. However, the broaderaspects of the invention will remain the same, notwithstandingdifferences in relation to implementation features, such as the wristwidth of the upper scoring area.

[0128] A further enhancement of the present invention utilizeselectronic sensors to monitor compliance with game rules. Players maywear wrist bands, and the playing area may contain small electronicsensors and/or transmitters to monitor a player's position in relationto various playing areas, to each other, etc.

[0129] Such electronic monitoring would be useful to assist in gameofficiating. For example, the wrist band/sensors may be utilized todetermine the number of players on a field, a goal keeper's eligibilityto use his or her own hands, and to determine if defensive players arethe required distance from the ball before a direct kick.

[0130] The use of electronic wrist bands could further result in thecreation of additional rules, which one or more officials may not beable to efficiently monitor. For example, such sensors may be utilizedto limit the number of offensive players within twenty yards of agoal-post line to three, limiting the number of players in a particularpart of the field, permitting only the first three players in an area toplay in that area, using a player's position to determine point valuesof goals or eligibility of scoring, and designating penalties forinfractions which can limit the area of the field which a penalizedplayer can occupy. Use of such wrist bands/sensors may thereforefacilitate the implementation of supplemental rules to enhance theenjoyment and challenge of the present invention.

[0131] An additional use of the wrist bands and field sensors could bein the immediate creation of electronic graphics. For example, a graphicof the field with player positions at the time of a score could beimmediately displayed at the stadium, or as part of a televisionbroadcast, or on the internet.

[0132] It is to be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the specific features or rules shown and described, but canbe varied within the broader deemed concepts disclosed therein. Theparticular rules and implementations are therefore intended to berepresentative only, and not construed in a limiting sense as to thebroader aspects of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a field game comprising thesteps of: a) defining a rectangular field, having first and secondopposing end lines; b) placing a goal structure on each of the first andsecond end lines, the goal structure having a lower scoring area and anupper scoring area; c) scoring a net-goal when a ball passes through thelower scoring area of the goal structure; d) scoring a field-goal whenthe ball passes through the upper scoring area of the goal structure. 2.The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the steps ofstarting the game by kicking the ball into play from within the playingarea.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step ofperforming a kick-in when the ball travels out of a side-line of therectangular field.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising the step of performing a goal-kick when the ball travels pastan end line, without scoring a net-goal or a field-goal.
 5. The methodas recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of performing apenalty-kick when an infraction occurs within a penalty area proximatethe end line.
 6. The method as recited in claim 5 further comprising thestep of performing a direct-kick when an infraction occurs within therectangular field outside of the penalty area.
 7. The method as recitedin claim 1 further comprising the step of scoring an extra pointimmediately after scoring a net-goal, by kicking the ball through theupper scoring area.
 8. The method as recited in claim 7 furthercomprising the step of disallowing extra points when the ball is touchedby any player within a goal tending area proximate the goal structure.9. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step ofdisallowing field-goals when the ball is touched by any player within agoal tending area proximate the goal structure.
 10. The method asrecited in claim 5 wherein the penalty area extends twenty (20) yardsfrom each opposing end line.
 11. The method as recited in claim 8wherein the goal tending area extends twenty (20) yards from eachopposing end line.
 12. The method as recited in claim 7 wherein theextra point is kicked from a point twenty (20) yards from the goalstructure.
 13. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising thestep of negating points when the ball a non-scoring area disposedbetween the upper and lower scoring areas.
 14. The method as recited inclaim 1 wherein the step of scoring a net-goal comprises kicking a ballthrough the lowest scoring area of the goal structure, within aplurality of defined distances from the end line, the scoring value ofthe net-goal varying in relation to the distance from which the net-goalis kicked.
 15. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the step ofscoring field-goal comprises kicking a ball through the upper scoringarea of the goal structure, within a plurality of defined distances fromthe end line, the scoring value of the field-goal varying in relation tothe distance from which the field-goal is kicked.